(EN)ROLL - Mercer University Admissions

THIS IS HOW
BEARS
(EN)ROLL
2016 ENROLLMENT GUIDE
WELCOME TO
As you prepare to complete the admissions
and financial aid processes in the weeks
ahead, you will also want to take specific
steps to complete your enrollment at Mercer
University. Within these pages you will find:
•Important dates and deadlines to mark on
your calendar
•Information regarding your MyMercer
account
•A checklist of necessary steps to finalize
your enrollment
ontact information for Mercer
• C
departments available to you during your
transition
MERCER
IMPORTANT DATES
January 1
FAFSA for Fall 2016 available at fafsa.ed.gov
February 15 MyMercer account accessible at my.mercer.edu
MercerLIVE email accessible at mercerlive.mercer.edu
(Login information sent via email from IT Help Desk)
Statement of Student Responsibilities available
March 1
Priority deadline to submit FAFSA
March 14
2016-2017 housing contract available
Financial aid packages begin mailing to students who have
completed the FAFSA
April 1Online Academic Profile (OAP) and Summer Orientation
registration available to students who have submitted the
enrollment deposit
April 9
Make It Mercer! on-campus event for accepted students
•A preview of student life and your first year
as a Mercer Bear
May 1National Decision Day
Enrollment deposit due
Review the enrollment checklist with your family,
and put it in a prominent place where you will
see it often. Keep this guide on hand for your
reference over the next few months, and check
your personal email regularly for additional
notifications regarding your enrollment at Mercer.
May 15Statement of Student Responsibilities due (required to
register for classes)
June 12
Deadline to submit housing contract for self-assignment
June 17
Summer Orientation Option 1
June 20
Summer Orientation Option 2
June 22
Summer Orientation Option 3
June 24
Summer Orientation Option 4
June 27
Summer Orientation Option 5
July 5-12
Housing Self-Assignment Period
(Access based on date of enrollment deposit and receipt of
housing contract)
July 11Health insurance waiver available for Fall 2016 semester
July 18Account balance available for payment in MyMercer account
Payment plan available for sign up (Enroll by August 18 to
receive discounted enrollment fee.)
July 29
Final high school transcript due
Immunization form due
August 19
Deadline to complete Campus Clarity Course
August 20
Opening Day; first-year students arrive on campus
Account balance due
Student records release authorization due
August 20-22 Bear Beginnings Fall Orientation
August 23
First day of fall semester classes
September 2 Health insurance waiver due
2
NEXT STEPS
MERCER UNIVERSITY 2016 ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST
NOW
Submit Your $500 Enrollment Deposit online at
undergrad.mercer.edu or by mail in the enclosed envelope
to secure your spot in Mercer University’s incoming class as
well as your placement for housing assignments and priority
registration.
Join The Bear’s Den, our Facebook group exclusively
for accepted students, at facebook.com/groups/
mercerclassof2020. Get to know fellow future Mercerians,
meet current Mercer students, ask questions, find a
roommate, and more.
Attend Make It Mercer! on Saturday, April 9. Exclusively
for accepted students and their families, Make It Mercer! is your
opportunity to meet other new Mercerians, hear from Mercer leaders
and special guests, have your questions answered by current Mercer
students, meet potential roommates, and receive your Mercer ID:
the BearCard.
Submit the Statement of Student Responsibilities through
your MyMercer account at my.mercer.edu, available February 15.
Complete this step by the May 15 deadline to be eligible to register
for classes.
SUMMER
Attend Summer Orientation on campus in June. You will attend
a Dean’s meeting, review your tentative fall course schedule with an
academic advisor, and use your time on campus to prepare for the fall
semester. Notify the Office of Academic and Advising Services if you
are unable to attend. See Page 9 for more information.
Submit Your Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA), available at fafsa.ed.gov, by March 1 for
priority consideration. See Page 5 for more information.
Submit Your Official Final High School Transcript to the Office
of University Admissions by July 29. Failure to submit this required
form before classes begin may result in removal from classes.
SPRING
Complete Your Immunization Form, available at
mercer.edu/immunizations, and return it to the Mercer University
Student Health Center by July 29. Failure to submit this required form
before classes begin may result in removal from classes.
Access Your MyMercer Account at my.mercer.edu
with the login information provided via email from Mercer’s IT
Help Desk. You will use this account to submit the Statement
of Student Responsibilities, view your financial aid package,
complete your housing contract, pay your bills, sign up for Direct
Deposit for any refunds, and add authorized payers (such as
your parents). See Page 5 for more information.
Complete Your Housing Contract through your
MyMercer account at my.mercer.edu, available March 14, by the
June 12 deadline. Access to housing self-assignment is based
on the date of your enrollment deposit and submission of the
housing contract. See Page 7 for more information.
Schedule a Meeting to Review Your Financial Aid
Package with Your Admissions Counselor. When you receive
your financial aid package, contact your admissions counselor
to schedule a time to review your package, either in person or
via phone. You and your counselor will discuss your financial aid
awards and options along with any questions you may have.
Complete Your Online Academic Profile (OAP) and
Register for Summer Orientation, available April 1. If you
have submitted your deposit, you will receive an email notification
to complete your OAP and register for your selected Summer
Orientation date. The form will assist your academic advisor in
building your fall semester course schedule.
Complete Your Health Insurance Waiver, beginning
July 11, at mercer.edu/healthinsurance if you choose to waive
Mercer’s automatic student health coverage for Fall 2016. You
must complete the online waiver by September 2, or you will be
responsible for the payment.
Complete the Campus Clarity Course by Friday,
August 19. This brief, online course promotes a healthy and safe
campus environment. You will receive an email notification to
complete the course when it is made available.
Pay Your Account Balance by Opening Day, August 20. Your
bill will be posted to your MyMercer account approximately the week
of July 18 for Fall 2016. Payment plans are available. See Page 5 for
more information.
Complete the Student Records Release Authorization Form
at mercer.edu/recordsrelease by Opening Day, August 20, to grant
permission for Mercer to release academic or financial information to
specified individuals (such as your parents). Only limited “directory
information” will be released without this form on file.
Arrive for Opening Day on Saturday, August 20. Residential
students move into the residence halls, and commuter students
attend a special program. This day also marks the first day of Bear
Beginnings Fall Orientation. Fall semester classes begin on Tuesday,
August 23.
3
CONTACT
MERCER UNIVERSITY
ADMISSIONS 478.301.2650 | 800.840.8577 | admissions@mercer.edu | undergrad.mercer.edu
Kelly Holloway
Emory Dunn
Kaitlin Schlosser
Stephen Karafa
478.301.5125
holloway_kl@mercer.edu
478.301.2312
dunn_e@mercer.edu
478.301.2314
schlosser_ke@mercer.edu
478.301.2373
karafa_sp@mercer.edu
Megan Roberson
Bonnie Toliver
Deidra Bauld
Elizabeth Brewer
Devon Fagan
478.301.2659
toliver_bk@mercer.edu
478.301.2656
bauld_d@mercer.edu
478.301.2322
brewer_ef@mercer.edu
478.301.2126
fagan_dm@mercer.edu
Liz Hardin
Elsie Miles
Jena Palmer
Jordyn Sessoms
478.301.2653
hardin_e@mercer.edu
478.301.2570
miles_ed@mercer.edu
478.301.2316
palmer_jc@mercer.edu
478.301.2307
sessoms_j@mercer.edu
Director of Undergraduate Admissions
Assistant Director of Admissions and
International Recruitment
478.301.5123
roberson_mk@mercer.edu
Admissions Counselor
Athletics and Freshman Admissions
Assistant Director of Admissions
Senior Associate Director of Admissions
Senior Admissions Counselor
Admissions Counselor
Admissions Counselor
Senior Assistant Director of Admissions
Admissions Counselor
Heather Perrin
Assistant Director of Admissions and
Director of Campus Visitation
478.301.2076
perrin_h@mercer.edu
Admissions Counselor
Admissions Counselor
FINANCIAL PLANNING / STUDENT EMPLOYMENT 478.301.2670 | maconracfinaid@mercer.edu | financialaid.mercer.edu
Toyann Mason
Last Names A–G:
Last Names H-P:
Last Names Q-T, Football Athletes:
Last Names U-Z, Non-football Athletes:
Associate Director
Associate Director
Associate Director
Associate Director
Senior Associate Director
of Student Employment
478.301.2414
jackson_tg@mercer.edu
478.301.5388
mason_td@mercer.edu
Andrew Dukes
478.301.5338
dukes_aw@mercer.edu
Cynthia Smith
Lacie Westbrook
478.301.5365
smith_cm@mercer.edu
478.301.2394
westbrook_ld@mercer.edu
Tracy Jackson
FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) 800.433.3243 | fafsa.ed.gov
BURSAR (BILLING) 478.301.1111 | bursar@mercer.edu | bursar.mercer.edu
Jessica Ellison
Stephanie Ace
Karen Wolfe
478.301.2134
ellison_jk@mercer.edu
678.547.6073
ace_s@mercer.edu
478.301.2662
wolfe_k@mercer.edu
Associate Bursar
STUDENT
SERVICES
Academic and
Advising Services
478.301.2078
academicservices@mercer.edu
Assistant Bursar
BearCard / Meal Plans
Auxiliary Services:
478.301.2741
BearCard Office:
478.301.2929
Bookstore
478.301.2945
Academic Resource
Center
478.301.2669
Campus Life
478.301.2868
campuslife@mercer.edu
Access and
Accommodation
478.301.2778
Career Services
478.301.2863
Athletics
478.301.2994
4
Assistant Bursar
Counseling and
Psychological Services
478.301.2862
Last Names A-G:
Brittney Lee
478.301.1005
lee_bf@mercer.edu
Greek Life
478.301.2987
greeklife@mercer.edu
Housing and
Residence Life
478.301.2687
residencelife@mercer.edu
Information Technology
Help Desk
478.301.7000
helpdesk@mercer.edu
it.mercer.edu/student
Last Names H-O:
Cassie Bruscell
478.301.1002
bruscell_ca@mercer.edu
Mail and Document
Services
Post Office:
478.301.4170
Package Pickup:
478.301.2020
Main Center:
478.301.2679
maconmail@mercer.edu
Mercer On Mission /
Religious Life
478.301.2992
merceronmission@mercer.edu
Last Names P-Z:
Shawna Jones
478.301.5511
jones_s@mercer.edu
Mercer Police (MERPO)
478.301.HELP (4357)
Emergency: 478.301.2911
mercerpolice@mercer.edu
Orientation
478.301.4300
orientation@mercer.edu
Registrar
478.301.2680
registrar@mercer.edu
Retention
478.301.2655
retention@mercer.edu
Student Health Center
478.301.2696
shcmacon@mercer.edu
TAKING CARE OF
BUSINESS
MyMERCER INFORMATION
MERCER PAYMENT PLANS
ACCOUNT ACCESS
You will manage some of your enrollment steps through your
MyMercer account, Mercer University’s student web portal,
at my.mercer.edu. Your username and password will be
sent from Mercer’s Information Technology Help Desk to your
personal email address that Mercer has on file.
Mercer University offers you the option to spread out payment
of your direct charges over multiple months. Payment plans are
available through your MyMercer account beginning in July for
Fall 2016. Plan benefits include easy online enrollment, flexible
payment options, and no interest charges.
Access your MyMercer account at my.mercer.edu to:
• Submit the Statement of Student Responsibilities
• View and accept your financial aid awards
• Complete your housing contract
• Access your MercerLIVE student email
•Pay your bills for direct charges (tuition, fees, room and
board, etc.)
• Enroll in direct deposit for any applicable refunds
• Add authorized payers to your account (such as your parents)
When you log in, you may notice that a hold has been placed on
your MyMercer account. This hold is customary for first-semester
students and will be removed upon completion of your enrollment
at Mercer University.
For access assistance, visit it.mercer.edu/student or contact
the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@mercer.edu or 478.301.7000.
BILLING
Your bill, authorized payer information, and Student Choice
Refunds can be viewed in your MyMercer account by selecting
Manage My Account.
Two Available Payment Methods:
• Automatic bank payment (ACH)
• Credit or debit card (additional fee may be assessed)
Applicable Fees:
• $40-$50 enrollment fee per semester, based on selected plan*
• $30 returned payment fee if a payment is returned
If the down payment or enrollment fee is returned for any reason,
the payment plan agreement will be terminated.
Steps To Enroll:
• Access your MyMercer account.
• Choose the link Manage My Account.
•Follow on-screen instructions to complete your Payment Plan
Agreement.
You should enroll in a payment plan prior to the first day of class.
*Sign up by August 18 to receive the $40 discounted
enrollment fee.
For more information about monthly payment plans,
contact Assistant Bursar Stephanie Ace at 678.547.6073
or paymentplans@mercer.edu.
Bills will be posted to your MyMercer account approximately 30
days prior to the start of each semester. Your account balance is
due the first day of each semester. Email notifications will be sent
to your official Mercer email address and any authorized payers’
email addresses when your bill is posted to MyMercer. Your Fall
2016 semester bill is due by Opening Day, August 20.
INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE
Let’s talk about affordability. Our approach to academic excellence
and financial planning makes Mercer the best choice for quality
and value. That’s why U.S. News & World Report has ranked
Mercer as a Best Value in the South.
Mercer University will begin sending financial aid packages to
incoming students in March, and we rely on your Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to provide you with the best
package to fit your needs. Complete your FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov
as soon as possible to be considered for every type of financial
aid available. Complete the FAFSA by March 1, 2016, to ensure
that your Student Aid Report is received by Mercer for priority
consideration. Submissions received after that date will be
considered as funds remain available. Mercer’s federal school
code is 001580.
When you receive your financial aid package, contact your
admissions counselor to schedule a time to review your
package, either in person or via phone. You and your counselor
will discuss your financial aid awards and options along with
any questions you may have.
5
TAKING CARE OF
MercerLIVE EMAIL
INFORMATION
BUSINESS
MercerLive is Mercer University’s student email system,
powered by Microsoft. It is important that you check your
Mercer email account on a frequent and regular basis since
time-sensitive and confidential information regarding your
enrollment at Mercer will be sent to this email address while
you are enrolled as a student.
Mercer’s Information Technology Help Desk will send your
login information to your personal email address that Mercer
has on file.
You are able to access your MercerLive email account via:
• Web browser at mercerlive.mercer.edu
• Mobile device
• Email access program, such as Outlook
You can redirect your MercerLive email messages to an
existing personal email account (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail):
1. Log in to MercerLive Email at mercerlive.mercer.edu.
2. Click the gear icon
next to your name, located in the
upper-right corner of the page.
3. Click Options.
4. Click Forwarding, located under the Accounts heading on
the left side of the page.
5. Select the Start Forwarding option.
6. Enter the email address you want your MercerLive email
redirected to in the Forward my e-mail to: box.
7. Enable the option Keep a copy of forwarded messages in
Outlook Web App.
8. Click Save.
9. Click the arrow next to Options in the upper-left corner of the
page to return to the inbox.
For instructions on how to configure your mobile device to
receive your MercerLive email and other helpful information, visit
it.mercer.edu/student/email/email_access.htm. For further
assistance, contact the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@mercer.edu
or 478.301.7000.
BearPERK!
As a Mercer student, you have access to Microsoft Office 365 at
no additional charge. Utilize the latest versions of Microsoft Word,
Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Access, and Publisher on
multiple devices. Instructions to install the software are available at
it.mercer.edu/student/hardware_software/office365.htm
(Software will be available the first week of classes.)
6
MERCER STUDENT HEALTH
INSURANCE COVERAGE
All Mercer students are required to have health insurance, and
students are automatically billed each semester for the cost of
this coverage. If you already have coverage under another policy
(such as a parent’s policy), you must complete a health insurance
waiver online at mercer.edu/healthinsurance prior to the deadline
each semester you are enrolled, or you will be responsible for the
payment. The process must be completed by the beginning of
each term you are enrolled at Mercer.
The waiver process for the Fall 2016 semester opens July 11.
Any waiver completed prior to that date will not apply to the fall
semester. The waiver must be completed by September 2 to avoid
paying the charges for health insurance coverage under Mercer’s
student plan. Make sure you have your current health insurance
identification card on hand when you begin the waiver process.
NOTE: Firefox and Chrome are recommended web browsers for
completing this process. There are known technical issues with
Internet Explorer and Safari.
To waive the Mercer-sponsored student health insurance:
• Access the waiver at mercer.edu/healthinsurance.
• Select the link Waive Your Health Insurance Here.
•Create your account by entering your name, email address,
and your selected password. (You must use a valid email
address for your account.)
•Log in to your account to begin the waiver process using your
username (email address) and your password.
• Select the Begin Waiver Process link.
• Follow the step-by-step instructions:
•Check the box stating “I understand that I will be required
to waive out of this plan each semester, Fall and Spring/
Summer semester.”
• Select the correct enrollment term to waive.
•After you have completed the form, your information will be
verified with your insurance carrier.
•Your waiver will be immediately approved or denied through
electronic validation.
•If approved, print a copy of your approval for your records.
(You will not receive any further notification that your waiver
has been received, accepted, processed, or approved.)
•The health insurance charge will be removed from your bill in
your MyMercer account within 48 hours of waiver approval.
REMEMBER:
•Your coverage must be active by the first day of classes of the
semester you are waiving.
•The waiver process must be completed through the student
insurance website by the specified deadline each semester
you are enrolled at Mercer.
LIVING ON
All first-, second-, and third-year students are required to live in oncampus housing, except for students who are at least 22 years of
age, are married, live at home locally with a parent or guardian, or
are veterans. Complete University housing policies are available
at studentaffairs.mercer.edu/housinginfo.
HOUSING CONTRACT
The 2016-2017 housing contract will be available through your
MyMercer account at my.mercer.edu on March 14. Complete
the application by the deadline of June 12 to be eligible for the
self-assignment room selection process.
To access your housing contract:
• Log in to your MyMercer account at my.mercer.edu.
•Under the RMS Student SSO (Macon) section, select
Macon Housing.
•Select 2016-2017 Freshman Application.
You will receive an email notification when you are scheduled
to self-assign.
SELF-ASSIGNMENT PROCESS
During the self-assignment period July 5-12, you will receive
access to choose your housing assignment based on:
• The date your enrollment deposit was submitted
•Completion of your housing contract by June 12
CHOOSING A ROOMMATE
You may choose your own roommate. Opportunities to meet a
potential roommate include The Bear’s Den Facebook group,
a campus visit event (such as Saturday Preview), the Make It
Mercer! event, and Summer Orientation.
BearPERK!
All residential freshmen are permitted to have a car on campus
at no additional charge. Designated parking lots are available
around campus for student parking.
CAMPUS
GET READY TO MOVE IN
No doubt, you have already begun to think about what kinds of
things you’ll need to bring to campus to get settled into your new
home. Below are some suggested items you may want to have on
hand as well as those better left at home.
ITEMS TO BRING:
• Alarm clock
• Clothes hangers
• Coffee maker/Keurig
• Computer/laptop
and printer
• Curtains with
tension rods
• Desk lamp
• Ethernet cable
• Iron and ironing board
• Microwave (1200 watts
or less)
• Posters/wall decorations
• Refrigerator (up to five
cubic feet)
• Rug
• Small trash can
• Towels and washcloths
• TV
• Twin XL bed linens
ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME:
• Candles or plug-in air
fresheners
• Charcoal, gas, or
George Foreman grills
• Chest freezer
• Electric heater
• Extension cord
• Fire pit
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fryer
Halogen light/lamp
Hammer and nails
Hoverboard
Neon light
Toaster oven
Wall mount for TV
Wireless router
For a complete list of allowed/unallowed items and more information
about on-campus housing policies and residence life activities,
contact the Office of Residence Life at 478.301.2687 or
residencelife@mercer.edu, or visit studentaffairs.mercer.edu/housing.
7
THIS IS BEAR
TERRITORY
12 ACADEMIC SCHOOLS & COLLEGES
ONLY ONE
MERCER
•College of Liberal Arts
•Stetson School of Business and Economics
•School of Engineering
•Tift College of Education
•Townsend School of Music
•Walter F. George School of Law
•School of Medicine
•College of Pharmacy
•College of Health Professions
•Georgia Baptist College of Nursing
•McAfee School of Theology
•Penfield College
“
Mercer students are presented with the
amazing opportunity to explore any and
everything the university has to offer. Taking
different classes helps students figure out
what they want to do and can even give them
an opportunity to excel in areas in which they
never knew they had an interest.
“
DESIRRAE JONES,
COMMUNICATION AND SOCIOLOGY
Bear DOMINATION
Mercer University is a proud longtime
member of NCAA Division I athletics, and
the Bears compete in 18 intercollegiate
programs.
MEN’S SPORTS
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Tennis
WOMEN’S SPORTS
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Lacrosse
Sand Volleyball
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track & Field
Volleyball
The Mercer football team made history during its inaugural season.
With a 41-14 win over Stetson University for Homecoming 2013, the
Bears’ tenth victory set a new NCAA all-time record for victories by a
start-up program.
In Good Company
The Mercer Bears
belong to the
prestigious, historic
Southern Conference,
the nation’s fifth-oldest
NCAA Division I
athletic association.
According to legend, the Bears reference originated in the first football game
played between Mercer and the University of Georgia in 1892. (It was also the
first college football game played in the state.) As a brawny Mercer lineman
charged the field, a bemused spectator asked, “Whence cometh that bear?” The
name stuck. Decades later, it became official by popular vote of the student body
in 1924. Then in a 1949 contest sponsored by Mercer’s campus newspaper,
The Cluster, students voted to name the bear mascot Toby. Students assigned
the name Tot to Toby’s “lady friend.” Today you will see Toby and Tot roaming
campus at Mercer athletic games and other special events.
SPEND TIME IN The Bear’s Den
Connect with your fellow new Mercerians through our Facebook group
exclusively for accepted students. Meet Bears that share the same major or
interests as you, find a roommate, get to know some of our current students,
and ask them questions about academics and campus life. Get started now at
facebook.com/groups/mercerclassof2020.
8
YOUR
FIRST YEAR
Once you have completed the admissions process and submitted your enrollment deposit, Mercer’s Office of Academic
and Advising Services will begin working with you to prepare for your arrival on campus. Your first year is a time of
significant transition, and Mercer has mapped out a comprehensive first-year program that will create a solid foundation
for your academic success and personal growth. Take a look at the route of a first-year Bear:
The First Step
You will begin your academic transition to Mercer by submitting your
Online Academic Profile (OAP). Your OAP includes information
about your academic background, intended major, and future
academic interests that will assist your academic advisor in building
your fall semester course schedule. (Priority registration is based
upon the dates your deposit and OAP are received.) When you
complete your OAP, you will also register for Summer Orientation.
Select from the following Summer Orientation dates: June 17,
June 20, June 22, June 24, and June 27.
Summer Orientation and the
Initial Advising Appointment
In June, you and your family will attend a one-day Summer Orientation
session. You will learn academic policies and procedures in your
Dean’s meeting, review your tentative fall course schedule with an
academic advisor, and use your time on campus to prepare for
the fall semester. Students unable to attend a Summer Orientation
session will receive information in July.
Opening Day and Bear Beginnings
Mercer’s Opening Day is an exciting and important day for all firstyear students! Residential students move into their residence halls,
and commuter students attend the Commuter Student Program.
Mercer’s Bear Beginnings Fall Orientation begins on the evening
of Opening Day and is filled with fun activities and events that will
help you transition both academically and socially to life at Mercer.
During this time, you will meet and get to know your Peer Advisor
(PA), your Orientation Group (O-Group) of fellow first-year students,
and your academic advisor.
UNV 101 Classroom Experience
You will continue building relationships with your PA, O-Group,
and academic advisor on a weekly basis through the University
101 (UNV 101) fall semester classroom experience. During this
16-week course, you and your O-Group will explore and discuss
important topics like successful study skills, cultural diversity, critical
thinking, ethics, personal relationships, health, safety, and career
development.
Campus Life and Community
Getting involved in student life is a vital part of the Mercer
experience. Your campus and community activities outside of class
have a profound impact on your academic and personal growth.
Mercer offers a wide variety of ways to get involved, and during
Bear Beginnings, you will have the opportunity to explore your
options and learn more about each campus organization at the
annual Bear Fair.
Academic Programs During the First Year
Throughout your first year at Mercer, you will be invited to attend
special programs and events that will enhance your academic
progress, including the fall semester workshop series FirstYear Fridays, a fall and spring semester Majors in Minutes
academic majors fair, and other spring semester events.
First-year students who earn a 3.5 GPA or higher in their first
or second semester at Mercer will be invited to join the Phi Eta
Sigma National Honor Society during the fall semester of their
sophomore year.
Ongoing Academic Support
While you are at Mercer, you will have full access to Mercer’s
Academic Resource Center (ARC), which provides a variety
of student support services, such as tutoring and study skills
assistance. Supplemental Instruction, another ARC resource,
utilizes upperclassmen who have already successfully
completed specific courses to assist current students in outsideof-class instruction.
Academic Progress
Professors are able to offer insight into students’ academic
progress by communicating with students through the Starfish
portal in MyMercer. The Office of Academic and Advising
Services coordinates Four-Week Progress Reports for all new
students, as well as Midterm Progress Reports for students
who are experiencing academic difficulty in a course. Academic
advisors review progress reports with students to provide
feedback and additional support in their academic transition to
Mercer.
The Advising Process
After your first semester, you will have the opportunity to meet
with your academic advisor prior to registration for your next
semester’s classes. The Office of Academic and Advising
Services is also available to you for additional advising and
registration assistance. After you have completed advising, you
will register for your courses online through your MyMercer
account.
Communication with
First-Year Students and Families
The Office of Academic and Advising Services is always
available to assist you and serves as an ongoing support to
both you and your family during the transition to Mercer, regularly
providing first-year students and families with email updates on
academic programs and important dates. Specific academic or
financial information may be released to parents or guardians
with students’ written consent via the Student Records Release
Authorization.
Declaring a Major
Explore more about what Mercer
Academic and Advising Services
offers you at aas.mercer.edu.
You will officially declare a major and minor by completing a
Major/Specialization/Minor Declaration Form with the Office
of the Registrar. The academic department chair who oversees
your program will then assign you a new academic advisor to
advise you throughout the remainder of your coursework.
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MERCER
BEARS
DON’T HIBERNATE
There are 140+ ways to plug into campus life—including the Student Government Association, honor
societies, national fraternities and sororities, academic/career clubs, religious life, club sports, service
organizations, and diverse special-interest groups. Get ready to have a full calendar and a lot of fun.
5
TRADITIONS Every BEAR MUST DO
CLIMB THE TOWER | For more than a century, first-year students have climbed
the tower of the Godsey Administration Building to sign their name—and leave
their mark on the University. Made famous by alumnus Ferrol Sams’ novel The
Whisper of the River, the tradition remains a rite of passage for freshman Bears.
“
Living on Mercer’s campus, it only takes about
10 minutes to walk across campus, which is
convenient and allows for a relaxing walk to
class. I also love the atmosphere and sense of
community that comes with living on campus.
Having undergraduate students living together
on one campus makes athletic events and
Mercer traditions even more special!
MOLLY BRACKNELL, NURSING
PILGRIMAGE TO PENFIELD | To celebrate Mercer’s 1833 founding in Penfield,
Georgia, hundreds of students—including the freshman class—pay homage to
the University’s roots by making a “pilgrimage” each fall to commemorate and
explore the hallowed grounds where Mercer was born.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING | Hosted by the Student Government Association,
this annual event celebrates the end of the fall semester and the beginning of the
holiday season. Hundreds of students gather to hear beloved carols performed by
The Mercer Singers along with theatrical Christmas readings led by faculty. The
festivities culminate with the lighting of the Mercer Christmas Tree, and all attendees
enjoy hot chocolate in collectible mugs.
FOUNDERS’ DAY | Each year, the Student Government Association welcomes
a prominent Mercerian back to campus to share how Mercer has influenced his
or her life. The tradition began in 1891 as a celebration centered on the birthday
of University Founder Jesse Mercer and continues today as an annual tribute to
Mercer’s rich traditions and heritage.
A RITUAL FOR LUCK | A statue of University Founder Jesse Mercer sits
proudly in the center of the Quad, weathered and aged from the elements. It is
considered good luck to rub Jesse Mercer’s head while passing by—on the way
to an exam or some other important event. At the beginning of each fall, first-year
students process across campus for Convocation, pausing to rub the statue as
they pass by. Coming full circle, seniors are led across campus for Baccalaureate
on the eve of Commencement, again rubbing Jesse Mercer’s head for good luck
beyond their college days.
“
My favorite Mercer tradition is rubbing the head of the Jesse Mercer statue. This
ritual united my entire freshman class on our Convocation Day and transformed us
from future Mercerians to current Mercerians. Before every exam, I visit Jesse for a
little bit of good luck. This tradition binds us together as graduating seniors as well
and serves to remind us of our growth since we made this same march as freshmen.
“
10
DILLON GRIFFIN, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
3
CAN’T-BE-MISSED
Celebrations
MERCER MADNESS | Students help the
Bears kick off the official start of basketball
season with this annual tradition highlighted by a
pep rally and fireworks.
HOMECOMING | Mercerians look forward to
Homecoming each year when alumni come
back to campus to join students in cheering
the Bears on to victory in football. In addition,
festivities include a 5K race, orange pancake
breakfast, and student activities and spirit
competitions throughout the week leading up to
the main event.
BEARSTOCK | Mercer’s annual spring music
festival, BearStock, showcases dozens of
musical artists from a variety of genres. Past
headliners include Switchfoot, Gym Class
Heroes, Yellowcard, Far East Movement, Plain
White T’s, Krewella, and 3OH!3.
“
Whether you are an athlete or not, Mercer athletic events are one of the most
exciting ways for the student body, the campus, and the Macon community to
come together and support the Bears. There is nothing better than the energy
and excitement from the packed-house atmosphere of a home Mercer basketball
or football game!
4
TIMOTHY LEWIS, LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY
REASONS TO
Macon
CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL | The annual 10-day International Cherry
Blossom Festival, touted as “The Pinkest Party on Earth,” features a carnival,
daily events downtown, and some delicious pink-themed food in celebration of
Macon’s numerous cherry blossom trees and the arrival of Spring.
INGLESIDE VILLAGE PIZZA | The best pizza for miles around is only a short
drive from campus and definitely worth the trip. Ingleside Village Pizza (or IVP,
as the locals call it) is the iconic and eclectic pizza place every college student
craves. And the sloppy bread sticks are a delightful bonus.
MERCER Spirit GROUPS
MERCER MANIACS | The student group Mercer
Maniacs promotes school spirit by painting up for
games, hosting pre-game activities, and cheering
the Bears on to victory against any who dare to enter
Bear Territory.
THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE | The Grand Opera House in downtown
Macon is one of the state’s most beautiful and historic performance venues,
hosting nationally touring Broadway musicals, concerts, comedy shows, and
special Mercer events.
BRAGG JAM | Held every summer, Bragg Jam is the ultimate arts and music
festival with more than 50 bands on a dozen stages throughout downtown
Macon, attracting people from all over the South for this popular fundraiser that
benefits the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.
CHEERLEADING & DANCE TEAM | The Mercer
University Cheerleading Squad and Dance Team
pump up the crowd at athletic events, supporting
the Bears from the sidelines.
MARCHING BAND & PEP BAND | The Mercer
University Marching Band is the flagship ensemble
of the Mercer Athletic Bands program, highly
dedicated to perfecting the marching show and
keeping the crowd cheering during football season.
The “Mercernaries” Pep Band performs at all men’s
and women’s home basketball games, and they are
loud and relentless in support of the Bears.
“
Mercer is the perfect size because you can get really involved as soon as you
come to campus. Each organization I’m involved in has contributed to my
personal growth in unique ways. The variety of opportunities on campus has
helped me become a well-rounded person, form invaluable relationships, and
develop skills that will benefit me in the future.
BAILEY BRADY, HUMAN RESOURCES AND MARKETING
IT’S GREAT TO BE Greek!
Joining a fraternity or sorority is a special part of the Mercer experience for
many students, and Mercer is home to seven national sororities and 11 national
fraternities. Greek Life at Mercer celebrates meaningful traditions, and students
become part of a rich heritage that connects generations of Mercerians.
Membership opens doors to leadership and networking opportunities and
provides avenues for philanthropic and community service.
11
OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY ADMISSIONS
1501 Mercer University Drive • Macon, Georgia 31207
admissions@mercer.edu
undergrad.mercer.edu